Why This Bollywood Star Is All Over Twitter

Bollywood Star's Fatal Hit-And-Run Case Sparks Outrage

Salman Khan's conviction in a 2002 hit-and-run was overturned this week.

A major Bollywood star was cleared in a fatal 2002 hit-and-run on Thursday, sparking outpourings of both support and outrage on social media.

Salman Khan was convicted in May in connection with the death of a man who was run over while sleeping on the pavement in a Mumbai suburb, according to the BBC. The charges, which included culpable homicide and driving under the influence, reportedly came with a prison sentence of up to five years.

But on Thursday, a high court in Mumbai reversed the guilty conviction. The judge reportedly cited questions about testimony by a key prosecution witness who has since died. According to French wire service AFP, the judge said former Khan bodyguard Ravindra Patil's account that the actor plowed into a crowd of homeless people was “not wholly reliable.”

The 49-year-old star took to Twitter to share his reaction with his 15 million followers after the decision was announced.

I accept the decision of the judiciary with humility. I thank my family, friends & fans for their support & prayers .

News of the acquittal sent the #SalmanKhan hashtag trending worldwide. Some fans celebrated the outcome, setting off firecrackers and sending messages of support, while other observers slammed the verdict and mocked the judicial system.